WATCH: History made at Selkirk Colonial Society
Last updated 11th Jun 2026
History was made in Selkirk this week as the first woman to become standard bearer for the town’s Colonial Society was installed.
The society welcomed a great many returning Souters and visitors to their annual Colour Bussin’ Concert in the Victoria Hall last night (Wednesday).
It was certainly a case of ‘’a’ the airts’’ as the visitors were introduced to the audience by guest chair Robert Anderson with countries represented ranging from Canada and USA to Australia, Greece, New Zealand and others.
The ‘’exiles’’ were gathered to witness the installation of 2026 Standard Bearer Frances Anderson, from the USA, the first ever lady Standard Bearer for the Colonial Society.
WATCH: Click on the link below to view our video report...
Society chairman Ian Clapperton presided alongside guest chair Robert Anderson, the society’s Standard Bearer from 2013 and father of Frances.
The Standard Bearer’s brother, Dashiell, bussed the flag and Frances thanked the society for allowing her the opportunity to fulfil a long-term ambition of carrying the ‘’golden banner’’ of the Colonial Society.
Frances is now the third member of the family to carry the Society Flag following her dad, and great-great grandfather Robert (Honolulu Bob) Anderson in 1913.
She's won't be the first woman to cast a flag on Common Riding Day, however.
Fiona Deacon made history when she carried the Ex-Servicemen's (Ex-Soldiers') Standard in 2014.
And Kirsten Darling became the second woman to cast a flag in 2016, also representing the Ex-Soldiers' Association.
Honorary Provost Rodney Pow, the Royal Burgh Standard Bearer and his Burleymen and attendants attended the Bussin’ Concert.
Dave Young and Susan Robertson from the Edinburgh and Midlothian Souter’s Society presented RBSB Coltherd with their Society Medallion, strengthening the century long links with the Colonial Society and Common Riding.
Entertaining the audience were local singers Ian Wilson, Julie Craig and Lewis Sanders accompanied by Derek Calder and Hilary Bell. Music was provided by the Silver Band.
The concert concluded with a vote of thanks from Colonial Society Chairman Ian Clapperton.
He thanked everyone for coming and wished everyone a Hail Smilin’ Morn and for the riders, Safe Oot, Safe In, before the exiles and overseas visitors retired upstairs for the traditional society reception.
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